Figure 1.--This American boy's suit was made without lapels and was worn with a vest. It has a rather military look to it. HBC believes this undated portrait was painted in the 1860s.

HBC has virtually no information on this portrait, but it almost certainly is Ameican, probably painted in the 1860s. It is an excellent example of an 1860s boys' suit.

Country

Although not signed, it almost surely is an American portrait.

Chronology

The portrit is not dated, but looks to HBC to have been painted in the 1860s.

Artist

HBC has no infornmation on the identity of the artist, but he clearly has considerable technical skill. The portrait was unsigned.

Subject

There is no inforamtion on the identity of this boy. Given the fact that a portrait by an accomplished artist was expensive, we believe that he came from an affluent family. we doubt, however, that it was a wealthy or planter family as in these instances there would not have been such a plain background. He looks to be about 10 years of age.

The Suit

This boys' suit had a vest or waistcoats with large buttons that buttoned up to the collar, covering the white shirt or waist the boy was wearing. Compare this with the huge collars boys were weraing by the 1880s. The suit coat was small and cut away to show the vest. The buttonless cope looks almost like a cape. Note the fastner near the top. This suit was worn without a bow or stock. The suit has a military look to it and the green-grey collar suggests that the boy may have come from a southern state. The suit was worn without a belt. It is not known what kind of trousers were worn with the coat, although they are clearly matching.

Hair Style

The boy's hair is cut short, but is not close cropped.

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Created: March 2, 2002
Last updated: March 2, 2002